Examining Texas' three-year championship window
I don’t want to sell Steve Sarkisian short as Texas’ championship window will likely extend further out, but three years is what I can comfortably project given the roster. With Sark already garnering mention as a top five college coach the future couldn’t be much brighter in Austin. The future was on display on Saturday as the present, quarterback Quinn Ewers, was kept on a low pitch count.
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Arch Manning lived up to his almost impossibly high expectations after going 19 of 25 for 355 yards and 3 touchdowns. It wasn’t just the production, it was the traits that led to the production. Paul did a great job of breaking those traits down here.
I don’t think the world is ready for the absolute hype machine we’re going to see through the marriage of Manning and Texas Football.
While Manning is a big part of Texas’ future, there are so many more reasons for optimism when it comes to the Longhorns.
Ewers’ return this season plays a massive part in 2024 becoming the year rather than the year before the year (again). Some might say Arch would be ready to play at a championship caliber level this season, and after watching him on Saturday I might be inclined to agree, but having Ewers on the roster is certainly preferable than a first-time starter. As mentioned recently, once Manning does start as a third-year player he will play at a high level from the first whistle.
Other players who will have a multi-year impact on the window include a number of skill players. Johntay Cook, DeAndre Moore, CJ Baxter, and Jordan Washington have a lot of football in front of them. Then there’s Ryan Wingo who has as much draft upside as almost anyone on the roster. Talk about living up to the hype, Wingo was one of the stories of Spring ball and on Saturday he showed why.
Outside of Michigan’s bully ball, title contending teams need a stud quarterback and receiver combination. Manning to Wingo has the chance to become iconic. But that will have to wait until after Ewers to Isaiah Bond.
Offensive tackle Trevor Goosby is another player who will have a key role during this championship window. Kelvin Banks will leave huge shoes to fill but Goosby will have the benefit enough developmental time to step in. An underrated aspect of reloading rather than rebuilding is having physically mature first-time starters.
One defensive position that has a big impact on winning is Edge. Colton Vasek flashed the potential we’ve been hearing about. One source in particular has been high on Vasek and now it’s easy to see why. The pipeline at Edge is loaded beyond Vasek and includes Colin Simmons and Zina Umeozulu.
Of course every program has questions. Defensive tackle remains an issue when gaming the roster out over the next few years. Texas really needs a multi-year transfer during this portal window. Fortunately we know the mindset of those in charge is to go all in on 2024.
That mindset is another reason why this championship window exists. We know whatever holes are on the roster the braintrust will do everything within its power to address it.
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I think Texas is on its way to becoming the dominant program over the foreseeable future, at least to the degree that’s achievable. This new era of college football we’re entering may prove difficult to dominate but if anyone can truly weaponize, it’s Texas.
